Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who exploited underage girls. He died in jail while facing serious federal charges for sex trafficking minors.
Woody Allen walks behind Jeffrey Epstein at a social event (Image Source: X)
Filmmaker Woody Allen has spoken about his past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. And, he says he has no regrets about it.
In a recent interview with ‘The Sunday Times’, Allen described Epstein as a “charming and personable” man who “couldn’t have been nicer.”
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Woody Allen explained how he first met Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 at a dinner hosted by the financier for Prince Andrew. This was two years after Epstein had been convicted for soliciting sex from underage girls.
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Allen, known for his Oscar-winning films like ‘Manhattan’, said he attended after being invited by a publicist. He noted that the decision was influenced by the fact that Epstein was a neighbor and by the prominent figures in attendance.
“We didn’t know Jeffrey at all then, but we see all these people there and they all embraced him, so we figured, ‘OK, he’s a substantial character,’” Allen recalled.
When asked if he was aware of Epstein’s criminal history, Allen gave a somewhat vague answer. He said Epstein told him he had been in jail but claimed it was in some way unjust or “extorted,” as his interviewer suggested.
Allen added that Epstein emphasized his philanthropic work, donating to universities and supporting scientific research, which seemed to impress him. “He couldn’t have been nicer,” Allen said.
Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, continued attending Epstein’s gatherings. He described them as interesting social events. They, according to him, often featured tables filled with distinguished guests. Those included college professors, scientists, and Nobel laureates.
“There was always a table of illustrious people. Accomplished people who were fun to listen to,” Allen said.
Throughout the interview, Allen made it clear that he never saw Epstein with underage girls. “He always had a girlfriend but never an underage girlfriend,” he stated.
When asked if he felt any regret about socializing with Epstein, Allen said ‘No’. He explained that as a writer, he was more intrigued than put off. “Those dinners were fascinating, and when it was all uncovered, it becomes interesting to a writer, because then you’re dealing with a kind of nefarious character on your doorstep,” he said.
Epstein’s criminal record and subsequent arrest have cast a long shadow over anyone associated with him. Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. He died in his jail cell a month later.
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